Death penalty sought against MMA fighter Cedric Marks, accused of two murders in Texas

BELTON, Texas (AP) — Prosecutors in Texas plan to seek the death penalty for a professional MMA fighter accused in the deaths of two people whose bodies were found in a shallow grave in Oklahoma.

The Bell County District Attorney’s Office has filed formal notice to seek the death penalty against Cedric Marks, 45, District Attorney Henry Garza said Monday.

Marks was indicted for the slayings of Jenna Scott, 28, and Michael Swearingin, 32, two friends who were killed on Jan. 3 at a residence in Killeen, Texas, about 127 miles southwest of Dallas, according to investigators.

Their bodies were found about a week later in a shallow grave in Clearview, Okla., about 80 miles east of Oklahoma City.

Marks, Scott’s ex-boyfriend, has pleaded not guilty. Michael White, one of Marks’ attorneys, told the Temple Daily Telegram that Marks “was not surprised” that prosecutors will seek the death penalty and “is anticipating his day in court when his story is told.”

His current girlfriend, Maya Maxwell, also faces charges in the case. Maxwell has told authorities she was at the Texas residence when the victims were killed and when their bodies were buried in Oklahoma, according to an affidavit filed in the case.

In February, Marks prompted a manhunt in Texas when he escaped from a private prisoner transportation van following his arrest in Michigan. He was recaptured nine hours later.

According to Tapology’s fighter database, Marks’ last fight was last September, which he won via decision. Marks had one fight for Bellator in 2010, which he lost via submission. His overall record stands at 31-27.